Page 78 of The Slayer
“We’re leaving now,” Jules said before Chuito had to answer for his crimes. “Alaine, take him home. Chuito probably has a concussion. Stay up with him.”
“Good idea!” Tino chimed in from the van.
“Ay Dios mio,” Chuito mumbled. “I’m gonna kill him.”
“Remember what I said,” Tino called out as if immune to the threat. “It’s important.”
Chuito turned back to the van, but Romeo stepped in front of the open door, huge and intimidating. “Go home, Chuito.”
“What’re you gonna do if I don’t?” Chuito challenged.
“You can’t take all of us,” Romeo warned. “You dislocated my brother’s arm. Be glad I know how annoying his mouth can be, or Imightbe really ticked off about it.”
“Chuito’s got a concussion,” Jules reminded him as she grabbed Romeo’s wrist and tugged. “Tino can take care of himself. We’ll call it a draw and go get pizza.”
“Pizza!” The twins obviously recognized that one.
Then Charlie added, “Zio Tin!”
“I think they like him better than us.” Romeo sighed as he gave up the fight and opened the driver’s-side door.
“They definitely like him more,” Jules agreed. “But he does give them ice cream and chocolate whenever we’re not home.”
“I know how to buy affection,” Tino assured them.
“Night, darlin’.” Jules leaned over and kissed Alaine’s cheek, because the Italians had rubbed off on her over the past few years. “Call me if you need anything.”
Alaine nodded as Jules walked around to the passenger side of the van. Tino pulled the door closed and then crawled into the back.
Chuito and Alaine stood there in silence as they watched the Wellings drive off with Tino in tow.
Then Alaine fished into her purse for keys without saying anything.
“What’d he say to you?” Chuito barked as if she owed him an explanation. “Tell me.”
“Are you really in a position to be giving orders?” Alaine arched an eyebrow at him. “Don’t you think you’ve caused enough trouble for one day?”
“Do you want to fuck him?” Chuito asked rather than back down, making it obvious he needed someone to attack.
He reallydidhave anger issues tonight.
Alaine considered the question rather than answer right away. Tino was easily one of the most traditionally handsome men she had ever met in her life. So much so it was almost shocking the first time she met him. He sort of dazzled like a movie star. Tanned and perfect skin. Perfect body. Perfect teeth.
He had always been a little too perfect for Alaine.
Not to mention, he was one of those handsome men who cashed in on his good looks any chance he could get.
Tino wasn’t Alaine’s kind of man, even if he was nice to look at. She liked them dark and brooding, with lots of tattoos and a protective streak that was more than a little annoying on days like this.
But she decided not to tell Chuito that and walked to her car instead.
She took several deep breaths, trying to play it cool, but as she opened her car door, all she could think about was Tino’s warning.
Chuito was thinking of moving back to Miami.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The car ride home was uncomfortable.
